Effects Of The Columbian Exchange

Rebecca Taylor
Mid-Term Exam
Gen Ed 111
October 17, 2010

The term exchange essentially means something given for something returned. So when that term is used to describe a period in history, namely the American Exchange, (a.k.a The Columbian Exchange), the terms of the swap might be on the subtle side and not always a win win situation for both parties involved, but an exchange none the less. In the years from 1500 to 1800 C.E. an interchange that would alter the lives of many from diets, to livestock, disease, and population, to name a few occurred. This time period, all be it controversial in its benefit of those in receipt of the exchange, is understood to be a huge event in this worlds history. One of the catalysts for this 300…show more content…
There are aspects beyond population, livestock, plants, economics, and slave trade that have altered world history and still have its effects today from religion, to warfare, to culture, etc. The influence of the American Exchange has been long lasting and much studied. In a relatively short period of time, hemispheres were joined, people were diversified in all phases of their lives, and all of a sudden the world seemed much smaller than originally thought. Devastating or advantageous, either way the American Exchange exemplified a global exchange never before seen; the results of which have been far reaching and impactful and no doubt still being…show more content…
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